Technical specifications are the foundation of successful beach bag procurement. Whether you're developing custom products, creating spec sheets for manufacturers, or evaluating supplier samples, understanding dimensions, materials, hardware, and construction standards ensures you get exactly what you need. This guide covers the technical details B2B buyers need to know.
Quick Reference
Standard sizes: Small (12x10"), Medium (16x12"), Large (20x14")
Canvas weights: 8oz (light), 12oz (standard), 16oz (heavy)
Handle drop: 10-12" standard for shoulder carry
Load capacity: 10-30 lbs depending on size
Size Specifications
Beach bag sizing isn't standardized across the industry, but these ranges represent common categories used by most manufacturers:
| Size Category | Dimensions (W x H x D) | Capacity | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 12" x 10" x 4" (30x25x10cm) | 10-15L | Personal essentials |
| Medium | 16" x 12" x 6" (40x30x15cm) | 15-25L | Standard beach day |
| Large | 20" x 14" x 8" (50x35x20cm) | 25-40L | Family beach day |
| Extra Large | 24" x 16" x 10" (60x40x25cm) | 40-60L | Extended trips, groups |
Measurement Convention
Dimensions are typically specified as Width x Height x Depth. Always clarify measurement points: measured flat vs. expanded, interior vs. exterior dimensions, and whether measurements include handles.
Material Specifications
Material specifications define durability, appearance, and price. Here's what to know about each major material category:
Canvas Specifications
| Weight | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 8oz / 270 gsm | Light, soft, affordable | Promotional bags, basic totes |
| 10oz / 340 gsm | Medium weight, good balance | Standard beach bags |
| 12oz / 410 gsm | Heavy duty, structured | Premium beach totes |
| 16oz / 540 gsm | Very heavy, rigid | Heavy-duty, structured bags |
Composition options:
- 100% cotton canvas: Natural feel, eco-friendly appeal, prone to shrinkage
- Cotton-poly blend (60/40): More wrinkle-resistant, better shape retention
- Organic cotton: Premium positioning, certification required (GOTS)
Straw & Woven Material Specifications
Straw Types
- Wheat straw: Traditional, affordable
- Paper straw: More consistent, durable
- Sea grass: Distinctive texture, premium
- Corn husk: Eco-friendly option
Weave Specifications
- Tight weave: More durable, sand-resistant
- Open weave: Lighter, more ventilation
- Pattern weave: Decorative, more labor
- Liner requirement: Polyester or cotton interior
Other Material Specifications
Neoprene
Standard thicknesses: 2mm (light), 3mm (standard), 5mm (insulated). Specify laminated or unlaminated surface, and whether perforated for breathability.
Mesh
Material: nylon or polyester mesh. Specify hole size (small = sand-resistant, large = drainage). Frame type: wire frame for structure or soft/collapsible.
Jute/Burlap
Specify laminated (water-resistant coating) or unlaminated (natural but less durable). Interior lining typically required.
Hardware Specifications
Hardware affects both functionality and perceived quality. Specify these elements clearly:
Zipper Specifications
| Zipper Type | Characteristics | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon coil #5 | Standard, flexible, affordable | Base |
| Nylon coil #8 | Heavy duty, better for large openings | +10-15% |
| YKK branded | Premium quality, brand recognition | +30-50% |
| Waterproof (Aquaguard) | Water-resistant, for wet environments | +50-100% |
Handle Specifications
Handle Types
- Cotton rope: Classic beach aesthetic, 10-12mm diameter
- Webbing strap: Nylon or cotton, 1-2" width
- Leather handles: Premium, specify thickness (3-4mm)
- Bamboo/wood: Decorative, fixed shape
Handle Drop Length
- 8-9": Hand carry only
- 10-12": Standard shoulder carry
- 14-16": Cross-body or extended shoulder
- Adjustable: Specify range and mechanism
Closure & Other Hardware
- Magnetic snap: Specify strength (standard vs. heavy-duty) and finish (nickel, brass, matte black)
- Toggle and loop: Material (wood, plastic, metal) and cord type
- D-rings: Size (1", 1.5", 2"), material (alloy, brass, stainless), finish
- Protective feet: Material (metal, plastic), size, placement pattern
- Custom pulls: Mold fee required for branded zipper pulls
Construction & Stitching Standards
Construction quality determines durability. Key specifications:
Stitching Standards
- Stitches per inch (SPI): 6-10 SPI is standard for bags
- Thread weight: Tex 40-70 standard, Tex 90+ for heavy duty
- Seam type: Double-stitched at stress points
- Thread color: Match or contrast (specify Pantone)
Reinforcement Methods
- Bartack: Dense stitching at handle attachment
- Box stitch: Square pattern for webbing handles
- Rivets: Metal reinforcement at stress points
- Leather patches: Handle connection reinforcement
Seam Types
- Bound seams: Raw edges covered with binding tape—clean finish, moderate cost
- French seams: Enclosed seams—premium finish, higher labor cost
- Flat-felled seams: Strong, visible topstitching—durable, workwear aesthetic
- Heat-sealed seams: For waterproof bags—tape applied over seams
Weight & Load Capacity
Load capacity specifications protect both product quality and customer satisfaction:
| Bag Size | Recommended Load | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Small beach bag | 5-10 lbs (2-5 kg) | Static test at 2x load, 24 hrs |
| Medium beach bag | 10-20 lbs (5-10 kg) | Static test at 2x load, 24 hrs |
| Large beach bag | 20-30 lbs (10-15 kg) | Static test at 2x load, 24 hrs |
| Extra large beach bag | 30-40 lbs (15-20 kg) | Static test at 2x load, 24 hrs |
Quality Testing Parameters
Specify testing requirements in your purchase orders to ensure consistent quality:
Tensile Strength Test
Zipper Cycle Test
Colorfastness Test
Seam Strength Test
Water Resistance Test
Common Specification Mistakes
Avoid these frequently overlooked specification issues:
Missing Handle Drop Length
Handle drop dramatically affects usability. Always specify the measurement from bag top to handle apex.
Undefined Interior Dimensions
Interior pockets need specific dimensions. "Small interior pocket" is ambiguous—specify 6"x8" or similar.
Unspecified Hardware Finish
"Silver hardware" can mean nickel, chrome, silver-tone alloy, or stainless. Specify exact finish and material.
No Color Tolerance
Provide Pantone reference and acceptable Delta E variance (typically ±2-3 for color matching).
Missing Lining Specs for Woven Bags
Straw and raffia bags require interior lining. Specify material (polyester, cotton), color, and pocket configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard beach bag dimensions?
Standard sizes are: Small (12x10x4"), Medium (16x12x6"), Large (20x14x8"). However, "standard" varies by manufacturer. Always specify exact dimensions rather than relying on size labels.
How is canvas weight measured?
Canvas weight is measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd²) or grams per square meter (gsm). 8oz ≈ 270gsm, 12oz ≈ 410gsm, 16oz ≈ 540gsm. Higher numbers indicate heavier, more durable fabric.
What specifications should I provide to manufacturers?
Minimum specifications: exact dimensions, material type and weight, handle type and drop length, hardware type and finish, closure type, pocket configuration, lining details (if applicable), Pantone colors, and quantity. Include technical drawings or reference samples whenever possible.
How do I specify custom hardware?
For custom hardware: specify exact size (dimensions), material (brass, alloy, stainless), finish (nickel, antique brass, matte black), and provide artwork for any branding. Custom-molded items require mold fees ($500-1500) and minimum quantities.
What quality tests should beach bags pass?
Key tests: tensile strength (handles/straps), zipper cycle test (500+ cycles), colorfastness (light/water/rubbing), load capacity test, and seam strength test. For waterproof bags, add water resistance testing. Specify test standards in your purchase order.
Get Detailed Product Specifications
Clanbag provides complete technical specifications for all products. Request detailed spec sheets for accurate procurement and quality control.
- + Complete dimension specifications with technical drawings
- + Material certifications and test reports
- + Hardware specifications and finish options
- + Quality testing standards and results
Conclusion
Clear, detailed specifications are the foundation of successful beach bag procurement. By specifying dimensions, materials, hardware, and construction standards precisely, you ensure consistent quality across orders and minimize misunderstandings with manufacturers.
Key specification priorities:
- Dimensions: Specify exact measurements with clear reference points
- Materials: Include weight/density and composition
- Hardware: Detail type, size, material, and finish
- Construction: Define stitching standards and reinforcement requirements
- Quality: Specify testing parameters and acceptance criteria
Investing time in proper specifications upfront prevents costly issues during production and ensures you receive exactly what you expect.
